Quick Tips to Consider
Know what you are purchasing. Always make sure you get the features and specifications of each Blu-ray player before buying. If possible, try downloading an owner manual of the Blu-ray Player you are interested in. This way, you can learn about the product by carefully reading the details in the manual. You want to know if it has everything you are looking for? Downloading the manual may not always be accessible, so you may need to do a quick web search to find your players specifications.
Old DVDs will be supported in Blu-ray Players. Most players will enhance the viewing quality of your old DVDs. Bu-ray players will upscale the DVD signal to 720p, 1080i, or even to 1080p mode. CDs are also supported on Blu-ray players. However, always check to see if the official Compact Disc logo is on the machine. Getting the specifications will tell you what CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Disc are compatible.
Know the types of connection Blu-ray Players have. They come with the same connections as DVD players. Composite, S-Video, and Component video outputs, Analog Stereo, Digital Optical, and Digital Coaxial Audio outputs. Two different outputs found on Blu-ray players are HDMI and 5.1 channel analog outputs.
HDMI transfer high definition video and digital audio to your TV. 5.1 channel analog outputs transfer a decoded surround sound signal to audio. Video receivers that have 5.1 analog inputs.
HDTV? Having your Blur-ray player connected to a HDTV via the HDMI or component Video will allow you to get the full value from Blu-ray Players. Connections can be made to any TV with at least a composite video inputs, but in order to get the high definition Blu-ray resolution you need a HDTV. HDMI connections are the best option. Especially, since in the future disc will more likely be encoded to limit access to high definition resolution only by the HDMI connection.
The Cost.The average price for a Blu-ray Player is around $400 to $500. You should also take note of any additional costs. Like installation fees, the cost of connecting cables or Blu-ray disc.
Be aware of older Blu-ray Players. Even through Blu-ray technology is recent, it is still moving forward at a rapid pace. Always check for the Blu-ray Player Profile. You will see numbers like 1.0, 1.1, or 2.0. The very first Blu-ray players were profile 1.0. But as more interactivity and more features were brought to your movies, the profile on newer players manufactured after Nov. 7, 2007 were upgraded to profile 1.1. They have capabilities such as bonus content through a picture-in-picture window. Which can be seen while movies are still running. You may now begin to see profile 2.0. These players come with Internet connectivity, Movie-associated games, blogs and other material that will be accessible. These features will be intractable via your HDTV. Playstation 3 was the first Blu-ray Player with Profile 2.0.
What movies are available? Studios are now releasing movies in HD using the Blu-ray format. Be on the lookout for older movies being released in this format as well. You do not want to be disappointed if you cannot find your favourite movies. There will be close to 2000 Blu-ray Disc movies available by the end of 2008.
